Arsenal reportedly want Premier League star compared to Patrick Vieira by previous manager

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Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge after missing out on the Norwegian giant in the January transfer window – and Gunners fans will be excited by a comparison made by his former manager.

Berge, 22, joined Sheffield United at the start of the year after shining in both Norway with Valerenga and then Genk in Belgium. He was linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but made the somewhat surprising move to Bramall Lane.

The Norway international joined Sheffield United for £22million, but after a year in the Premier League, such a figure is likely to be much higher. That has not put off Arsenal, with VG saying Arsenal are still keen after initially being interested in January.

With a potential January move on the horizon, Berge will be under the scrutiny of Arsenal fans and Gunners supporters will be delighted to hear that one of his former coaches – Kjetil Rekdal – compared him to Patrick Vieira.

“When I brought him back to Vålerenga I compared Sander to Patrick Vieira,” Rekdal told The Times. “He is tall, strong and fast for his stature. He is also not afraid to ask for the ball and will always do something with it.

“Sander has a good pass. He made an incredible progression in a short time. It’s a shame we have to let such a young talent go, but that’s just how it goes in football.”

TBR’s view – Would Berge be a good signing for Arsenal?

Do they need him? Granit Xhaka has returned to form, Mo Elneny is in the form of his life after returning from a loan at Besiktas and the Gunners have completed deals for both Dani Ceballos – on loan again – and Thomas Partey.

Yes, Berge is a good player and has made a solid start to life in the Premier League. But he is hardly a necessity for Arsenal. The Gunners would be more inclined to go after an attacking midfielder – Houssem Aouar, for example.